Respected Child Psychologist Caught in Kiddie Porn Dragnet

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Federal agents and police officers arrested a well-respected New York child psychologist for possession of violent child pornography. The arrest is part of an international, multi-agency child porno investigation that has netted over 1,200 arrests worldwide, according to officers with the Suffolk County, NY Police Department.

Peter Mies, 57, is a child psychologist who worked at the Building Blocks a preschool in Commack, New York, a suburb of New York City. He sees private child patients at his his Hicksville, New York office, as well. Mies surrendered to Suffolk County detectives and agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a the local police stationhouse. He was charged with one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony. Mies is only the latest of many respected members of his community to be arrested in child pornography cases.

Others arrested include an elementary school teacher, priests, school principals, school coaches, school janitors, camp counselors, campus ministers, pediatricians, circus clowns, Boy Scout leaders, police officers, firefighters, and many others with access to children. Some of these suspects also have been involved in the production and distribution of child pornography.

Mies is the latest individual to be arrested as part of a massive, ICE child pornography investigation targeting an internet billing company based in Minsk, Belarus and its affiliated entities in the United States.

To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrest of more than 1,200 people. In January 2004, the Belarus firm was charged with money laundering as well as providing credit card billing services for 50 child pornography websites worldwide and operating child porn websites of its own. Three bigwigs of the company were arrested in Europe and were extradited to the United States. All three of those extradited pleaded guilty in Newark, N.J., as have four officers of two affiliated companies in Florida and California.

Having dismantled the leadership of the enterprise, ICE agents in domestic offices and 52 Attaché offices worldwide turned their focus to those who purchased child porn subscriptions from these sites in the U.S. and abroad. ICE has arrested more than 237 in the United States and foreign law enforcement, acting on ICE leads, have arrested more than 1,000 individuals in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Besides being arrested and subsequently confessing to the crime, Mies forfeited his license to practice psychology and cannot reapply for his license until after he serves 10 years' probation. According to New York State law he also must register as a sex offender.

In addition, a Burnsville, Minnesota man made an initial appearance in federal court after being criminally charged for allegedly using prepubescent girls to produce child pornography in his basement.

ICE special agents and Burnsville Police officers arrested Bruce W. Betcher, 51. He was later charged by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Minnesota with using a minor to produce sexually explicit images and then distributing them. The local investigation was triggered when ICE special agents in Atlanta executed a federal search warrant at a residence in August, during which a computer was seized.

More than 2,000 images of child pornography were found on the computer’s hard drive. These images were forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for forensic analysis. Analysis of the images led investigators to believe that some of them — which showed prepubescent girls engaged in explicit sex acts — were taken in the basement of a Twin Cities area home, according to court documents. The investigation led ICE agents, the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children task force, and the Burnsville Police Department to Betcher’s residence.

During the execution of a search warrant by the Burnsville Police Department, officers seized three computers, a digital camera and storage media, and a printed page bearing images of child pornography. ICE Bloomington special agents and Burnsville Police identified six local girls in the photographs. During an interview with law enforcement officials, one of the girls named and identified Bruce Betcher as the photographer.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us   

Delay's Prosecutor Pals with Dan Rather's Daughter and Ben Barnes

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Travis County, Texas, District Attorney Ronnie Earle, who exploded upon the American scene as a result of a grand jury indictment against Republican House Majority Leader Tom Delay, is a known partisan Democrat in Texas. His history of trying to prosecute Republicans such as Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson also is widely known in Texas. The Senator Hutchinson case was thrown out when Earle admitted he could not prosecute the case due to insufficient evidence which in legalese means he had no case. His attempt to do the same thing to Bush campaign consultant Bob Bullock also failed when a grand jury refused to indict Bullock.

The tough, tenacious Ronnie Earle often boasts of his close relationship with former Texas Governor Ben Barnes and Robin Rather and they are listed as supporters and contributors to his reelection campaigns. Barnes is the man who on CBS's 60 Minutes told newsman Dan Rather he pulled strings to get President Bush into the National Guard, and Robin Rather is Dan Rather's daughter, a Democrat activist in Texas. The former CBS anchor is suspected of working closely with the Texas Democrat Committee and in fact it was Texas from which the famous Rathergate forged documents emanated. Rather was forced to resign from CBS after bloggers exposed his prima facie evidence against Bush as a fraud. And Dan was a guest speaker at a Democrat fundraiser for none other than Ronnie Earle

Timing is everything with Ronnie Earle and his friends in the TDC. His attempt at convicting Kay Bailey Hutchinson occurred as she prepared to run for the senate. His attempt at indicting Bush political mentor Bob Bullock occurred around the 2000 presidential election cycle. With the 2006 US Senate and House of Representatives election cycle just around the corner, this is the perfect time to indict the man known as The Hammer by political friends and foes alike. The indictment alone neutralizes the powerful conservative since Delay was forced to step down as the House Majority Leader. Democrats never tried to keep it a secret that if Delay was out of the way their prospects for capturing the House of Representative become more likely.

If anyone doubts Earle's partisanship, then perhaps they should read local newspaper reports about his vitriolic speech at a Democrat Party fundraiser last May.
Ronnie Earle, speaking at the fundraiser, uttered vicious comments about Delay. Earle went as far as discussing the case with the audience as he told the cheering crowd that he'd get Tom Delay. He also disclosed a supposedly confidential discussion he had with another man whom he tried to indict but failed. In fact, Ronnie Earle's attempts at convicting Republicans are almost laughable.

Even the indictment instrument in the Delay case is in itself suspect. With only six paragraphs, the indictment provides little if any information or evidence of wrongdoing. Legal experts from former judges to former prosecutors and defense attorneys are scratching their heads wondering what kind of indictment has Ronnie Earle secured from a grand jury? How is Delay's legal team supposed to mount a defense against such a vague document?

The indictment for conspiracy doesn't even mention what crime Delay conspired to commit. The campaign finance law prohibits political parties from accepting financial contributions from corporations 60 days before an election. The allegation facing Delay is that he accepted money from a PAC (political action committee). A PAC is not a corporation as stipulated in the campaign finance law, which may be ruled unconstitutional anyway once it reaches the US Supreme Court.

In defending Earle, Democrats point to the fact that he has indicted Democrat politicians, but a look at those indictments strongly suggests they were against Earle's political enemies. In Austin, Texas, he is recognized as the District Attorney for life since few will attempt to run against him for fear they'll be indicted on some trumped up charge. His supporters claim he even indicted himself. But if he felt he violated the law why didn't he have another prosecutor indict him?

Once the mainstream news media stop celebrating the indictment of a powerful Republican, perhaps they will make at least some effort to answer questions for the American people -- all the people, not just like-minded Liberals. Here are some questions that need to be answered:

What did the prosecutor say during his speech at a Democrat fundraiser about the Delay case and about the ongoing investigation into Delay's campaign finances? In most states such conduct is an ethics violation punishable by disbarment.

Did the prosecutor contact any Democrat Party bigwigs such as DNC chairman Howard Dean, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Harry Reid, etc. and discuss the Delay investigation? Did they contact him? Did Earle have contact with state Democrat leaders prior to the indictment? What did he discuss with his friend Ben Barnes, a known Bush hater whose own daughter called him liar on several occasions when he changed his story about Bush's National Guard enlistment?

What conversations about the case, if any, did Earle have with Dan Rather's daughter Robin? Did he discuss the case with Dan who attended a 2000 Democrat Party fundraiser for Earle?

Why did it take so many grand juries before Earle finally got the indictment he wanted? What was the evidence Earle presented to that fifth grand jury that caused them to indict Delay?

In his case against Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, it's been alleged that Earle was involved in unlawful and unethical practices during the investigation of the conservative senatorial candidate. What were these questionable activities? Why were they not subject to further investigation?

Why is Earle discussing cases and smearing unindicted Bob Bullock, who was George Bush's political mentor, during a Democrat fundraiser? The grand jury in the Bullock case refused to indict yet Ronnie Earle discussed this case at a partisan event?

Why is the published indictment so short on substantial allegations? Why is there practically no mention of Tom Delay?

As far as media coverage, don't hold your breath for the news media to give this case fair coverage. A recent poll of police commanders overwhelmingly (92%) said they don't believe the news media are fair and balanced in their coverage. Tom Delay has a real fight on his hands. He must do battle with an out-of-control political hack masquerading as an officer of the court; with a deranged political party that is out of power and can only lie, spin the truth and attempt to jail their opponents; and with a news media that often forgets they're not part of the Democrat National Committee.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Congressman Charles Rangel: Same As He Ever Was

by Jim Kouri, CPP


Congressman Charles Rangel is in the news again for making the most outrageous statements one can imagine. From comparing President George W. Bush to arguably the worst racist in recent history, Bull Conner, to alleging that blacks are the cannon fodder for the US military, each day brings another Rangelism to national attention. Any clear thinking person can easily disprove Rangel's statements by simply checking the facts. But Congressman Rangel never let's the facts get in the way of a good soundbite.

The problem is that Rangel's statements resonate within the African-American community, which is already being fed a steady diet of lies, half-truths and conspiracy theories by the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson, former President Bill Clinton -- America's first black president -- and the biggest civil rights blowhard in the country, Rev. Al Sharpton. We are told by the mainstream media that there's a high degree of anger within the black community and these intellectual giants in America's newsrooms fail to see their part in creating that anger.

Wouldn't you be angry if you were constantly told America hates you, white Americans want to keep you impoverished, many of your fellow citizens don't care if you're sick or dying, and the United States establishment wants to exploit you? Most folks, white or black, would be angry after being barraged with such messages on a regular basis. And Charlie Rangel can be always be counted on to capitalize on that anger.

Well, let's take a look at the real Charlie Rangel as evidenced in a little known story of how a New York City detective knocked the robust politician on his keister following the utterance of a Rangelism in the 1960s:

Sidney was one of New York City’s first African-American detectives. In fact, he was so good at policing in the city's toughest neighborhoods, that he was promoted to the coveted rank of 1st Grade Detective in the NYPD, the youngest in New York's history. A former Marine -- one of the first blacks to be accepted into the Marine Corps in 1945 -- Sid was your consummate police officer. Tough, relentless and proud Sid tempered his tough street persona with intelligence and a sense of fairness that won the respect of his superiors, his fellow cops and the citizens he served. Sid came from a black family of achievement with one brother becoming a police captain and another serving as a colonel in the US Army.

Sidney saw action in Korea at about the same time as Rangel took to the battlefield with the US Army. While Rangel brags about his military service and being awarded a Purple Heart for wounds he received, Sid believed a good marine does the wounding and killing not the other way around. He openly admired General George Patton and Sid repeatedly viewed the motion picture "Patton" in which, during the opening monologue by George C. Scott portraying General Patton, he says, "No one wins a war by dying for his country. You win a war by making the other poor son-of-a-bitch die for his country." Sid was a blood and guts Marine and a blood and guts cop. I know. I partnered with him during his later years.

While still a young detective, Sidney arrested a black man who was dealing drugs on streets and schoolyards of Harlem. The drug dealer sold heroin to black youngsters who were being told over and over again since they were knee high that their lives were hopeless in an America that at best cared little for them, at worst wanted them in prison or dead. They were indoctrinated with this rhetoric by the likes of Charlie Rangel, white liberals and their echo chamber, the mainstream news media. Detective Sid had little compassion for a man who sold drugs to black kids.

At the time, Charlie Rangel was an up-and-coming political hack in the local Democrat Club and a lawyer more adept at shooting off his mouth than arguing his position on jurisprudence. Rangel ended up representing the drug-pushing punk -- whose parents, by the way, were financially very well off. The punk's dad was a bigtime contributor to the local Democrat Party and a supporter of Rangel for congressman which led to Rangel acting on behalf of an unrepentant drug pusher. Ironically, Rangel later would become chairman of Congress' Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

So Charles Rangel, attorney-at-law, visited my partner Sid in order to get him to back off and perhaps change some of the testimony should the case go to trial. The young detective told Rangel, “No way. That skell sells poison to kids.” At that point Charlie Rangel, a known bully in Harlem and northern Manhattan, called Sid an Uncle Tom and got in his face. The six-foot tall detective hauled off and bopped him right in his face and Rangel went down. After getting up from the floor and brushing himself off, the opulent future congressman made some empty threats of retaliation, however Rangel never filed departmental charges of police brutality. Sid believed Charlie Rangel knew if he did he would find himself in a jackpot over witness tampering and he may have had to kiss his political career goodbye.

So now whenever you see Congressman Charles Rangel on television ridiculing the president or denigrating the US military, think about a fat lawyer lying flat on his back at the feet of a patriot, a leader and one of the best cops who ever breathed.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

MND Exclusive: Counterintelligence Here and Abroad

by Jim Kouri, CPP

The counterintelligence function involves protecting the country, as well as intelligence agencies, from the activities of foreign intelligence services. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has principal responsibility for countering the activities of foreign intelligence services within the United States in order to protect both classified US Government information and proprietary information held by US industry. The CIA is responsible for coordinating US counterintelligence activities abroad. Each of the military departments also has a counterintelligence element that operates domestically and overseas.

Each of these elements has offensive and defensive missions. Offensively, they attempt to recruit agents within foreign intelligence services to ascertain what, if any, operations are being undertaken against the United States; they monitor the activities of known or suspected agents of foreign intelligence services; and they undertake operations to ascertain the targets and modus operandi of foreign intelligence services. Defensively, they investigate cases of suspected espionage and prepare analyses for government and industry concerning the foreign intelligence threat. The FBI has principal jurisdiction to investigate suspected espionage within the United States, although all intelligence agencies maintain internal capabilities to undertake preliminary inquiries of their own employees. Military counterintelligence elements have concurrent jurisdiction to carry out counterintelligence investigations of their respective military personnel.

Counterintelligence, as a function of intelligence agencies, however, goes much beyond detecting and monitoring the activities of foreign intelligence services and investigating employees suspected of espionage. Counterintelligence is an integral part of the entire intelligence process. All agencies that undertake intelligence collection, whether through human or technical means, must be constantly on guard that what they are collecting is genuine. This requires continuous evaluation of their sources as well as the information gathered from them. Intelligence analysts who are familiar with the totality of information on a particular topic are often in a position to detect anomalies.

Historically, intelligence agencies have not performed this crucial function very well. Virtually all have suffered severe losses due to a failure to recognize anomalous behavior on the part of their own employees. Some have also had problems recognizing anomalies in the behavior of their sources or in the appearance or actions of their targets. The Aldrich Ames spy case revealed serious shortcomings in both categories.

In the wake of the Ames case, the Intelligence Community made sweeping changes to its counterintelligence infrastructure. A new policy board, reporting to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, was established to coordinate counterintelligence activities and resolve interagency disagreements, and a "national counterintelligence center" was created to share and evaluate information regarding foreign intelligence threats. In addition, the CIA made numerous improvements to its counterintelligence and security posture.

Perhaps more than any other function of intelligence, counterintelligence has undergone the most significant change over the last two years. The question is whether these changes will have a long-term positive effect.

Because counterintelligence is so crucial to the success of the entire enterprise, however, the Intelligence Community must sustain the renewed emphasis recently placed on this function. Counterintelligence must be viewed not as an annoying intrusion but rather as an integral part of the intelligence process. It must focus not only on protecting our own sensitive information, but equally on efforts to manipulate our collection and analysis, through double agents or other means. This requires a certain openness of mind and a willingness continually to balance the conclusions drawn from intelligence with the possibility of deliberate deception by a target.

Sources: Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Institute, American Federation of Police, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and crime magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer, Campus Law Enforcement Journal, and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional.

Homeland Security: Concerns Over Training Continue

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Training can play a key role in helping the Department of Homeland Security successfully address the challenge of transformation and cultural change and help ensure that its workforce possesses the knowledge and skills needed to effectively respond to current and future threats. This includes the training offered to local police agencies in order to achieve maximum first-response capabilities.

The DHS has taken several positive steps toward establishing an effective department-wide approach to training, yet significant challenges remain. Progress was made in addressing department-wide training issues, but efforts are still in the early stages and face several challenges. Actions taken by DHS include issuing its first training strategic plan in July 2005, establishing training councils and groups to increase communication across agencies, and directly providing training for specific department-wide needs.

However, several challenges may impede DHS from achieving its departmental training goals. First, the sharing of training information across components is made more difficult by the lack of common or compatible information management systems and a commonly understood training terminology. Second, authority and accountability relationships between the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer and organizational components are not sufficiently clear. Third, DHS's planning may be insufficiently detailed to ensure effective and coordinated implementation of departmentwide training efforts. Finally, according to training officials, DHS lacks resources needed to implement its departmental training strategy.

Examples of planning and evaluation of training demonstrate some elements of strategic practice. Specific training practices at both the component and departmental levels may provide useful models or insights to help others in DHS adopt a more strategic approach to training. We found that some components of DHS apply these practices, while others do not. For example, Customs and Border Protection aligns training priorities with strategic goals through planning and budgeting processes.

In the area of evaluation, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center obtains feedback from both the trainee and the trainee's job supervisor to inform training program designers in order to make improvements to the program curriculum. Training has been used to help DHS's workforce as it undergoes transformation and cultural change. The creation of DHS from different legacy organizations, each with its own distinct culture, has resulted in significant cultural and transformation challenges for the department.

At the departmental level, one of the ways DHS is addressing these challenges is by encouraging the transformation to a shared performance-based culture through the implementation of its new human capital management system, MAXHR. DHS considers training to be critical to effectively implementing this initiative and defining its culture. Toward that end, the department is providing a wide range of training, including programs targeted to executives, managers, and supervisors. For example, at the component level, CBP has developed cross-training to equip employees with the knowledge needed to integrate inspection functions once carried out by three different types of inspectors at three separate agencies.

TRAINING FOR LOCAL COPS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

One sore point which continues to fester is the lack of training for local first-responders especially in suburban and rural areas of the country. In a survey of police commanders and sheriffs across the nation, the National Association of Chiefs of Police discovered that 70 percent of the survey respondents said they received federal training to meet the increased threat of terrorism. That's the good news.

The bad news is that only 50 percent of these respondents said their departments participated in any state or local terrorism response simulation. This leaves any police chiefs concerned. Off the record, several police commanders claim the fault lies not as much with the federal government as it does with the state and local political leaders.

"I know our state got some of the homeland security grant money, but what it's been spent on? I have no idea, " says one police chief who spoke on condition of anonymity. He went on to say that he's seen little difference in his department since September 11, 2001.

A police commander in New Jersey was even harsher in his assessment. He claims that New Jersey received millions of dollars from the federal government, yet, with the exception of the state police, he's seen limited resources in his jurisdiction. The disheartened chief believes New Jersey didn't take homeland security seriously. He points to a recent scandal in which the governor of New Jersey appointed his alleged male lover to the position of State Homeland Security Director. The SHS director had absolutely no law enforcement or firefighting experience and no command experience. It appeared Homeland Security Director was one of the patronage positions many local politicians have to reward friends, relatives and intimates.

Unfortunately, because of political harping by Liberals that the federal government isn't giving enough money to state governments -- especially by the likes of Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer -- more is being done to distribute money that providing federal oversight on how the money is spent. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, for instance, it was discovered federal money may have been misappropriated by Louisiana officials to buy an airplane, open a casino, purchase fur coats, etc. An investigation will hopefully reveal the nature of this misappropriation of funds.

When a large group of police commanders and officers wished to travel to Israel to study their counterterrorism and response techniques, they were told their local agencies wouldn't pay for the training, transportation and housing. Many of these police officers paid for the program out of their own pockets rather than play the political games. One cop said his city's mayor did not wish his police department to be identified with Israel. The Liberal mayor is said to have supported measures to coerce Israel into appeasing the Palestinians.

The bottomline appears to be simple: a more active role on the part of the feds to oversee training and expenditures when it comes to federal cash being used by local politicians.

Sources: Government Accounting Office, National Association of Chiefs of Police, Department of Homeland Security

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us
   

Paul Krugman, Sherlock Holmes and Newsweek

by Jim Kouri, CPP

In today's New York Times, columnist Paul Krugman raises the question of cronyism within the US government. The neo-Marxist economist and darling of the Times' op-ed page readers, using deductive prowess even Sherlock Holmes would envy, has discovered cronyism in the Bush Administration especially within FEMA. That's right, Krugman and the New York Times are blowing the lid off cronyism. Apparently politicicians are hiring people for key positions because they are friends and supporters. I'm shocked! I've got to lie down.

Krugman, of course, points to former FEMA chief Mike Brown to further his argument, carefully avoiding the fact that prior to Hurricane Katrina Brown successfully responded to four disasters. But he does make a point: Mr. Brown's work background and resume do not lend themselves to confidence that he is capable of responding to enormous disasters or terrorist attacks. He's therefore a crony. Let's give Krugman that much.

But this intellectual giant of America's "newspaper of record" has apparently never seen cronyism before President George Bush stole the election from Al Gore, another Krugman allegation. (Although two weeks ago, Krugman was forced to admit that he falsely claimed media recounts in Florida showed Al Gore winning the 2000 presidential election.) In fact, a Lexus-Nexus search indicates Krugman never even mentioned cronyism in his rantings during the Clinton Administration.

He never wrote about Clinton's FEMA appointments such as Buddy Young, whose education consisted of a high school diploma and a certificate in public administration from the University of Arkansas. His emergency-management experience consisted of warning Bill that Hillary was on the way during Bill Clinton's escapades in the Arkansas state house. Or what about Craig Livingstone, Clinton's chief of White House security? His security experience consisted of work as a bouncer at nightclubs and his ability to not get caught as far as hanky-panky in his campaign fundraising for Clinton. Livingtone is best remembered for the mysterious appearance of hundreds of FBI files in the White House. Krugman was MIA during that story. He -- and the NY Times -- had bigger fish to fry -- Rep. Newt Gingrich.

And we also have the biggest crony in the Clinton Administration: Sandy "Pants" Berger. Berger was rewarded with the key National Security Advisor position for his work getting Clinton into the Oval Office. Prior to that, he was a smooth-operating, smooth-talking Washington lobbyist. Mr. Krugman, was Berger not a crony? I mean, the guy was a dud. He got nabbed for a sloppy espionage operation whereby he shoved classified documents into his pants and allegedly into his socks. And we trusted this inept thief with US national security?

Let's be frank, Krugman exposing cronyism today is more about his hatred for Bush than his displeasure over government cronyism. It's part and parcel of the elite media's continuing goal of hurting a president they despise. I agree that we should end cronyism, but let's start with the minority Democrat Party and work our way up through the ranks of the Republican Party. In addition, it's relative as to whom is a crony and whom is not. I'll bet, if I wished, I could make a good case that Paul Krugman is a crony at the New York Times. Cronyism is not the issue at the NY Times; George Bush is the issue.

The latest issue of Newsweek makes my point handsomely. One lead story is really a swipe at Bush. The title says it all: "Government Officials' Overreaction to Hurricane Rita Still Not Enough to Convince American's US Government Is Competent." Now, is that a mouthful or what? Newsweek couldn't even wait till the lead paragraph to criticize the government a/k/a George W. Bush, they do it in the title. Okay, they have a right to make that argument. But in the same issue, Newsweek interviews Fidel Castro's "Little Me," Presidente Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Chavez has many choice words for Newsweek regarding America's president: He calls the Bush Administration "terrorists," causing one to suspect Chavez's telephone number is on the DNC fax list for talking points.

Chavez tells Newsweek's chief correspondent Lally Weymouth, “… this US Administration — the current government — is a terrorist administration....” Okay, so a communist thinks Bush and the US government are terrorists. No big scoop. Lally, sweetheart, as far as garnering a Pulitzer nomination, you're not even close with that tidbit, so I'd set aside that acceptance speech if I were you.

This next quote in Newsweek is what exposes Lally Weymouth as a hack: Chavez states, "Now, before the hurricane, they knew that Katrina was coming, and the
government did not evacuate people. In Cuba, when they know a hurricane is coming, chickens, hens and people are all evacuated.” Lally, where's the follow-up question? When hurricanes hit Cuba, to where are these millions of Cubans evacuated? To Puerto Rico? St. Thomas? Jamaica? Venezuela? Miami? Lally, where does Castro stash millions of Cubans? Here's a hint: Cuba is an island. Nevermind the people (notice that the communist mentioned chickens and hens first), what's Castro doing with all those chickens during a hurricane? And, Lally, why is Chavez talking about Cuba? He's the President of Venezuela.

Let's be open-minded. Perhaps we can learn something from Castro about disaster management. Of course, to be honest, Castro doesn't really worry about disaster management (except for where he will safely hide till the danger blows over) because Castro doesn't worry about the news media in Cuba asking meanspirited questions. If they let the cat out of the bag following a devastating natural disaster, the journalists may be evacuated -- permanently. What nonsense it is to even attempt comparing US and Cuban disaster response. Katrina and Rita recovery and rebuilding will cost billions and billions of dollars. I can rebuild Cuba after a hurricane with 30 bucks. The only problem I'd have is in distinguishing hurricane damage from the normal condition of Cuba's infrastructure. "Amigo, that chicken coup goes there and that pile of garbage goes here. Oh, that's not garbage? It's a soup kitchen?"

It didn't matter to Newsweek where they put Cubans during a disaster. What mattered was Lally Weymouth and her keepers at Newsweek discovering an opportunity to bash Bush even if it means using a communist quasi-dictator parroting DNC talking points to do it.

The print media doesn't have a monopoly on the ridiculous and disingenuous. During Bush's press conference in Texas prior to Hurricane Rita, NBC News' own intellectual giant, David Gregory, asked the President of the United States, "Don't you think you'll be getting in the way?"

This is the same David Gregory who speculated that Bush was too slow to react to Hurricane Katrina. Now he found President Bush staying on top of things, and Gregory worries Bush get be in the way. In the way of what, David? In the way of a good Bush-bashing news story? Even Gregory's accusatory tone displays an obvious disdain for our president. I don't recall hearing any journalists asking New York's Senator Hillary Clinton if she feared getting in the way during her photo-ops after Katrina. And when Bill Clinton showed up, there was no media concern with him getting in the way. In fact, they gushed like school girls over The Beatles appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1962.

I started this column with Paul Krugman, let me end with him. In his article about Bush cronyism, Krugman touts a Clinton lie. Krugman writes, "The lethally inept response to Hurricane Katrina revealed to everyone that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which earned universal praise during the [Clinton Administration]...." Yep, Clinton didn't get Earth's praise, Martians, Venusians even the Klingons praised FEMA.

When was FEMA universally praised, Sherlock Krugman? Not after Hurricane Floyd, that's for sure. Remember Hurricane Floyd? That's the one where even Rev. Jesse Jackson took issue with Bill Clinton's FEMA boss because he didn't respond for close to a month to the needs of thousands and thousands of Americans left homeless in the wake of Floyd. And a real crony -- Buddy Young -- was a bigwig at FEMA.

Americans should rethink that "newspaper of record'' stuff as far as the New York Times is concerned. We'd be better off having the National Enquirer as "newspaper of record."

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Special Report: It's a Dog's Life: Canines Pitch In During Rita Recovery

by Jim Kouri, CPP

No sooner had many canine search and rescued dogs trained by National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF) returned home with their handlers from the Hurricane Katrina deployment, than they were once again called out by their task forces in response to the nationally significant Hurricane Rita, the third most intense hurricane recorded, making landfall along the Gulf Coast between Texas and Louisiana.

Of the 26 NDSDF-trained canines deployed during Hurricane Katrina, 17 canines along with their human partners are located in various parts of Texas, as part of several of the 17 FEMA Task Forces deployed and in position for rescue efforts in the hurricane's aftermath.

NDSDF continues to provide more canine search teams than any other organization in nation to respond to any man-made or natural disaster whether of national, regional or local significance. To date, NDSDF is responsible for training 25% of the nationally advanced certified canines in the United States.

While advanced evacuation efforts seem successful in lessening the chances of loss of life, concern exists for those individuals who for various reasons may have remained behind in dangerous conditions. These canine search teams remain a key component of the team's rescue response -- as these highly trained dogs are able to "clear" each area to make sure no one has been left alive in the debris.

Their remarkable sense of smell and unparalleled ability to safely navigate dangerous terrain, faster and more safely than any other "tool" in the first responder's toolbox, make search dogs an invaluable asset to the rescue efforts.

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission to produce the most highly trained canine disaster search teams in the nation. The Foundation is responsible for training over 25% of all of the Advanced FEMA canine search teams in the United States and provided 33% of the teams deployed on September 11, 2001 to the World Trade Center.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Catholic Clergyman Charged with Sex Crimes Involving Minors

by Jim Kouri, CPP

An American-born Catholic monk from Mexico City made his initial appearance in US District Court in San Diego this month to face charges that he used the internet to attempt to induce a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and that he attempted to transfer pornographic material to a minor. As with Catholic priests, monks are sworn to a vow of celibacy.

Earl John Place, 61, was named in a two-count federal indictment handed down in San Diego on September 7 that was unsealed upon his arrest on September 13. The charges are the result of an investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from Mexican law enforcement officials.

The indictment against Place alleges that between June and September of this year, he used the mail and a computer to attempt to induce a young boy to engage in unlawful sexual activity and that on August 21, 2005, he attempted to transfer obscene material to a minor under 16 years of age.

Place is currently in federal custody in San Diego after being arrested in Mexico City by Mexican law enforcement officials September 13. Place was immediately expelled from Mexico by Mexican immigration officials.

“No one has license to sexually exploit children, period,” said United States Attorney Carol Lam. “This is true regardless of where a person lives or what station in life he occupies.”

“The Internet does not recognize international borders,” said Michael Unzueta, special agent-in-charge for ICE investigations in San Diego. “This investigation is a perfect example of why cooperation with our law enforcement counterparts in Mexico is so vitally important.”

Place is due back in federal court September 15 at 1:45 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Brooks for a detention hearing. The charges against Place are part of Operation Predator, an ongoing ICE enforcement initiative to identify, investigate, arrest and, in the case of foreign nationals, deport child sex predators. Since the initiative began in July 2003, ICE agents have arrested more than 6,200 individuals nationwide, including more than 1,600 in California.

ICE Offers Help to Parents and Civic Groups

The ICE Community Outreach Coordinator position was created in January 2004 and resides within the ICE Office of Policy and Planning. The ICE Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for establishing relationships with community leaders and coordinating meetings with ICE to discuss community issues. The Coordinator serves as a focal point within ICE for the community to raise issues. The ICE Community Outreach Coordinator is Mrs. Su Daly. Community questions, issues and concerns should be forwarded to her at su.daly@dhs.gov or 202-514-7935.


Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Second Amendment Hypocrites: Senators Schumer and Feinstein Pack Heat

by Jim Kouri, CPP

A recent poll conducted by the National Association of Chiefs of Police indicated that almost 64 percent of police commanders and sheriffs favor a law allowing private citizens to carry concealed firearms for protection. Almost 73 percent said that citizens should not be restricted from purchasing more than one weapon, and 96 percent say they believe criminals obtain firearms from illegal sources.

Unfortunately most states -- especially those called Blue States due to their Liberal-leanings -- continue to prohibit private citizens from carrying concealed handguns.

At the same time, there are outspoken opponents of gun ownership, such as Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Diane Feinstein (D-CA), who are carrying concealed weapons, according to WABC Radio's Mark Levin. Levin, a recognized constitutional expert, heads the Landmark Legal Foundation. The LLF's goal is to protect American's from unreasonable and illegal government intrusions and violations of the US Constitution, including the Second Amendment.

The mainstream news media have been aware that several antigun proponents are carrying concealed firearms but have failed to expose this hypocrisy. This writer's efforts to discover how many other anti-gunners are also packing heat -- a right they wish to deny other citizens -- met with limited results.

Not only does Schumer carry a handgun, the New York City Police Department also provides armed escorts for the good senator. In fact, the Government Accounting Office -- the investigative arm of the US Congress -- slammed Schumer's use of police resources for personal protection. It's clear that Schumer believes he's special. He wishes to ban private citizens' ownership of firearms, while he enjoys layers of protection.

"No wonder Chuckie Schumer shoots his mouth off so much -- he's able to protect himself," says a 25-year police veteran.

Also, a check of Pistol License records shows that Senator Schumer possesses an "unrestricted" pistol permit, a rarity in New York City. Licenses are distributed in different categories in the Big Apple: Target Permits allow only use of a firearm at a licensed firing range; Premises Permits allow weapons to be kept in a home or apartment; Restricted Permits allow the gunowner to carry their firearms concealed but only within the purview of their job (security, jewelers, armored car guards, etc.). So it's evident that Senator Schumer has two sets of rules -- one for Americans and one for himself.

And then we have Senator Diane Feinstein on the Left Coast who possesses something more rare than a conservative Republican in San Francisco -- an unrestricted concealed weapons permit. Apparently without shame, she participated in a citywide gun turn-in program that was intended to create some kind of statue from the donated guns that were to be melted down. One of her police body guards let it slip that she contributed a cheap model for the meltdown, while retaining her .357 magnum revolver for her own personal self-defense.

Hypocrisy is not limited to politicians when it comes to the Second Amendment. For Example, well-known Washington-based columnist, Carl Rowan, often wrote about the ills of firearms ownership. Until, that is, he shot and wounded a teenager who trespassed on his property. The white teenaged boy claimed he wanted to try Rowan's swimming pool. Rowan, an African-American, retaliated with deadly force using a firearm. That's when the news came out that Carl Rowan, gun-control advocate, actually possessed a license to own firearms.

Another example is the loudmouth entertainer, Rosie O'Donnell, who once ran roughshod over conservative actor Tom Selleck because of his stance supporting the Second Amendment. Although Ms. O'Donnell doesn't carry a gun, she has three armed bodyguards who protect her, her wife and her children, something the vast majority of hardworking Americans could never afford. Isn't it comforting to know all these Liberals are looking out for us?

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us   

Mexican Crime Family Expands Throughout United States

by Jim Kouri, CPP

The Castorena Family Organization is a large-scale criminal organization with more than 100 key members who oversee cells of 10 to 20 individuals in cities across the United States, according to public court documents filed by the US government in Colorado and in other judicial districts around the country. Several of the senior leaders of the organization are believed to be based in Mexico, although they enter the US occasionally to oversee the operations of lieutenants of the crime family.

The organization is alleged to be involved in the manufacture and distribution of high-quality counterfeit identity documents, including social security cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, US and Mexican driver licenses, Matricula Consular ID cards, resident alien cards, work authorization documents, proof of vehicle insurance cards, temporary vehicle registration documents, and utility bills (many states require driver license applicants to show utility bills as proof of residence).

Court documents also indicate that the CFO started out in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, primarily manufacturing and selling counterfeit alien registration and social security cards. The organization soon expanded its counterfeit document operations to other cities across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Denver, Atlanta, Albuquerque, and other cities.

Over the past decade, the CFO has been managed by six Castorena-Ibarra siblings: Pedro, Alfonso, Jose, Maria, Francisco Javier, and Raquel. During the last several years, three of these siblings, Pedro, Maria and Francisco Javier, have maintained direct involvement in the counterfeiting operations of the CFO in Denver and elsewhere. In recent years, several of these siblings have been arrested and prosecuted in the United States. Others have fled to Mexico to avoid US prosecution.

The CFO has been the target of federal investigations in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Denver, Lincoln, NE, and Des Moines, IA.

For example, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations of the CFO in Los Angeles in the late 1990s resulted in the seizure of millions of counterfeit documents with an estimated street value of $20 million. The documents were linked to more than 400 investigations and seizures in more than 50 cities in 33 states. The American Express Corporation attributed more than $2 million in losses to counterfeit identification documents that were traced to the CFO just in Los Angeles.

In Denver, ICE investigations into the CFO have resulted in the criminal prosecution of more than 50 individuals. Dozens of additional members of the CFO in Denver have been arrested and deported to Mexico, Colombia, and El Salvador. ICE agents in Denver have also been responsible for the seizure of at least 20 computerized laboratories affiliated with the CFO and used to manufacture high-quality counterfeit identity documents. Agents have also seized 21 computers, 21 silk screen printing templates used to produce counterfeit documents, and nine handguns.

Court documents indicate that CFO cells in various US cities are exceptionally well organized. CFO cell leaders typically keep schedules with the names of each counterfeit document vendor and the times they are to report to a designated area to sell fake documents. The local cell leaders also record the number and type of false documents sold by vendors during their “shifts,” as well the funds collected for each transaction.

The vendors are allowed to keep a portion of the proceeds, with the remainder passed to the local cell leader. Cell leaders, in turn, pass on a portion of the proceeds to the senior leaders of the CFO. Senior CFO leaders charge a “rent” or “franchise” fee of as much as $15,000 per month for cell leaders to operate in a particular US city. These funds and other proceeds of counterfeit document sales are funneled to Mexico and other locations for those overseeing the CFO.

The organization moves its funds through three primary methods. Often, funds are wire transferred via money transmitter businesses. In other cases, bulk cash and checks are moved through express parcel services. In addition, the organization often employs couriers who physically transport US currency across US borders and between US cities.

Sources: US Department of Justice, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, Denver, CO Police Department, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

MND Special Report: FEMA Officials Claim They're On the Mark for Rita

by Jim Kouri, CPP

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with other federal agencies, continues to prepare for Hurricane Rita, according to a spokesperson in the DHS press office. In addition, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has designated Rear Admiral Larry Hereth, U.S. Coast Guard, as Principal Federal Official (PFO) for incident management purposes during the response and recovery operations for Hurricane Rita in Texas.

FEMA and federal agencies -- such as the US Coast Guard and the US Department of Defense -- are pre-positioning supplies and materials in the surrounding affected areas and potential landfall areas of the storm. FEMA is urging residents in the Gulf Coast states to continue paying close attention to Hurricane Rita weather reports and to follow the instructions of local officials. The DHS officials state they're overseeing the following:

45 truckloads of water and 45 truckloads ice and 25 truckloads of meals are pre-staging at federal facilities in Texas.

Over 400 medical team personnel and 14 Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces, almost 800 personnel, are pre-staging in Texas.

The state of Florida has released all of FEMA's pre-positioned teams and assets and FEMA is in the process of moving personnel and commodities to Texas.

13 U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft in Corpus Christi and Houston are being readied to evacuate and relocate to a staging position to quickly respond once the storm passes.

Additional USCG relief aircrews and aircraft from around the country will begin arriving in staging areas in Texas as early as today. An additional 4 HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters are being pre-staged in San Antonio.

6 major USCG cutters are in the Gulf of Mexico avoiding storm. Cutters will be pre-positioned to follow the storm to provide immediate support for search and rescue, command and control and waterways assessment. USCG cutter Dauntless, based in Galveston, left port yesterday after evacuating family members. Dauntless is in the Gulf of Mexico heading south to avoid the storm to be in a position to follow the storm.

More than 400 additional USCG personnel are surging to support the response and hundreds more are on alert and ready to respond after landfall.

USCG disaster assistance teams and environmental pollution strike teams are assembling in Louisiana to be in a position to move into the affected area once the storm passes. USCG liaison officers have been assigned to state and local emergency operation centers in Texas and Louisiana.

Infrastructure Protection division is assessing the potential consequences to critical infrastructure located in the storm's projected path, along with the requirements to secure and restore these facilities in the storm’s aftermath. Based upon these assessments, DHS will work with private sector partners and state and local government officials during the recovery phase.

Nearly 3,500 National Guardsmen in Texas are on state active duty and the governor has authorized the activation of up to 5,000 of the more than 10,000 National Guardsmen currently available in the state. Approximately 1,352 Texas National Guardsmen serving in Louisiana have returned to Texas in anticipation of the storm.

The Department of Defense assigned 6 heavy-lift helicopters at Ft. Sam Houston, TX and 6 heavy-lift helicopters at Ft. Worth, TX for search and rescue support. DOD is making available 2,000 active duty “security forces” such as military police.

The Transportation Security Administration has sent an additional 150 screeners to Houston to assist in moving people through the airports to evacuate them from the city.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided approximately 650 buses to the state of Texas to support preparations for Hurricane Rita.

The Evironmental Protection Agency issued a reformulated gasoline waiver for the Houston/Galveston, Texas area. Conventional gasoline will be available for distribution and sale in this area from September 21 through September 26, 2005

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Terrorism: Saudi Arabia and Islamic Extremism

by Jim Kouri, CPP

(The following article is based on reports obtained by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.)

US government and other experts have reported that Islamic extremism is on the rise and that the spread of Islamic extremism is the preeminent threat facing the United States. In addition, various sources alleged that Saudi Arabia is one source that has supported and funded the spread of Islamic extremism globally.

The intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, the State Department, and the US Agency for International Development are implementing various efforts to identify, monitor, and counter the support and funding of the global propagation of Islamic extremism. The intelligence agencies and DOD are carrying out identification and monitoring efforts, primarily in counterintelligence and force protection.

According to reports, the State Department and USAID are carrying out efforts to counter the global propagation of Islamic extremism, with State's efforts focused primarily on traditional diplomacy, counterterrorism, and public diplomacy and USAID's efforts focused on development programs to diminish underlying conditions of extremism.

According to the General Accounting Office they are preparing a classified report to be subsequently released with a more complete description of US efforts to address the global spread of Islamic extremism. A number of sources have reported that Saudi private entities and individuals, as well as sources from other countries, are allegedly financing or supporting Islamic extremism.

For example, in July 2005, a Treasury official testified before Congress that Saudi Arabia-based and -funded organizations remain a key source for the promotion of ideologies used by terrorists and violent extremists around the world to justify their agenda. However, according to the 9/11 Commission Report, the Commission found no persuasive evidence that the Saudi government knowingly supported al Qaeda.

The government agencies also told GAO staff that Islamic extremism is being propagated by sources in countries other than Saudi Arabia, such as Iran, Kuwait, and Syria. The agencies are still examining Saudi Arabia's relationship, and that of other sources in other countries, to Islamic extremism.

The Saudi government has announced and, in some cases, undertaken some reform efforts to address Islamic extremism. For example, the government is undertaking educational and religious reforms, including revising textbooks and conducting a 3-year enlightenment program, to purge extremism and intolerance from religious education. However, US agencies do not know the extent of the Saudi government's efforts to limit the activities of Saudi sources that have allegedly propagated Islamic extremism outside of Saudi Arabia.

Sources: General Accounting Office, US Department of State, US Department of Defense, National Security Institute, National Association of Chiefs of Police Terrorism Committee

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Conservative Cops Turn Against Governor Schwarzenegger

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -- already facing a tough reelection in California -- may find it even tougher thanks to several police organizations who represent thousands of California officers. The latest problem police associations and unions have with the Governator is his support for a ballot initiative, Proposition 75.

Prop 75, a November ballot measure, would require public employee unions to get members' written permission to spend their dues on political campaigns. Although sources within the ranks of police agencies throughout claim most cops are Republicans and conservatives, the union leadership tends to support Democrat and liberal candidates and liberal issues which means most of their contributions of cash and assistance go to the Democrats.

One source told this writer that he's a Schwarzenegger supporter, but his union leaders support Democrat opponents and detractors because they are concerned with issues related to pay and benefits for their membership. They're also aware that Proposition 75 will hurt public employee unions since it is sure to decrease their political clout and denigrate their endorsements.

"The union leaders are worried. What good are their endorsements if the rank-and-file members support the otherside?" says one police organization executive.

Besides endorsements, there are millions of dollars in campaign contributions for the Democrat Party -- viewed as labor-friendly -- and for individual candidates at stake should Californians vote for Prop 75.

Organizations such as the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the Association of Orange County Sheriff's Deputies, and the local chapter of largest police union in the US, the Fraternal Order of Police are mobilizing their resources to battle passage of the proposition. In fact the FOP's president sent out a letter to the organization's membership urging them to vote NO on Prop 75.

Roger Mayberry, president of the California Lodge of the FOP, said, "The proponents of Proposition 75 are antigovernment crusaders and big business special interests who want to silence [police officers'] voices! In states where similar measures to Prop 75 have passed, union PAC's (Political Action Committees) are 1/20th of their former levels."

Mayberry claims, "Every major law enforcement union, teachers, nurses, firefighters, as well as every major public employee and trade union are against Proposition 75" The national FOP endorsed President Bush for reelection in 2004 based on his tough stance against terrorism.

Among the initiative's proponents are a business coalition aligned with Schwarzenegger, tax-cut crusaders and the state Republican Party, which complains unions contribute disproportionately to Democrats in spite of the overwhelming majority of law enforcement identifying themselves as either Republican or conservative.

The GOP's stance enrages badge-wearing Republicans like one police sergeant, who wished to maintain anonymity. The decorated sergeant believes that Republicans should support police officers and compensate them for the good of the public.

"How can you attract the best cops to join or stay on the force if they cannot use their political clout to offer attractive wage and benefits programs."

One police officer sees Proposition 75 as an attack on cops and a Republican consultant sees that as a danger. "Cops view an attack on their union as an attack on the law enforcement community. How do Republicans separate the two?"

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Ted Kennedy: The Lion of the Democrat Party?

by Jim Kouri, CPP

[Parts of the following article originally appeared in Police Times Magazine. The original title was, "The President's Private Eye: The story of NYPD Detective Tony Ulasewicz."]

How many times have you heard Senator Ted Kennedy referred to as the Lion of the Democrat Party by members of the elite media? How many times have you heard Senator Kennedy pontificate on the veracity of others such as when he repeatedly called President George W. Bush a liar? How many times have you heard this so-called Lion of the Democrat Party mention his unceasing concerns over women's rights? Even recently, Senator Kennedy droned on and on without much regard for the truth, as he mugged for the TV cameras covering the Judge John Roberts Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Since Senator Kennedy believes he's entitled to the moral high-ground, I thought this would be a proper time to resurrect an article I wrote for Police Times magazine a few years back that addressed the issue of Kennedy's cover-up in what's become known simply as Chappaquiddick. If anyone is unfamiliar with that incident, they've probably been spending too much time on another planet. It was the incident that put the kibosh on Teddy Kennedy's hopes of ever sitting in the Oval Office. Chappaquiddick saw a young woman -- Mary Jo Kopechne -- die as a result of being too close to a man who was, and continues to be, too absorbed with his own existence, aspirations and self-importance.

The article I wrote addressed the Kennedy cover-up as investigated by friend and colleague NYPD Detective Tony Ulasewicz. Tony investigated Chappaquiddick at the behest of the President of the United State, Richard M. Nixon.

After working as a detective in the elite Bureau of Special Security & Investigation, a precursor of the NYPD's Intelligence Division, Tony was approached by the Nixon White House to work for the President as his personal private eye. BOSSI was known in Washington, DC as "the little FBI and the little CIA" and Tony Ulasewicz gained a reputation as one of BOSSI's best detectives. Who better to serve the president as his top investigator.

Ulasewicz began his police career swinging a nightstick on the tough streets of Harlem in 1945 and ended his career as the first man to ever serve as a sitting president's private eye.

Here is a brief portion of my Police Times magazine conversation with Tony:

PoliceTimes: One important assignment you received was to investigate the death of Mary Jo Kopechne that resulted from her being in a car with Senator Ted Kennedy in Chappaquiddick. You've gone on the record saying the subsequent investigation into the incident -- whereby Kennedy's automobile ended up submerged in a pond, killing Mary Jo -- was a cover-up from the very beginning. What leads you to believe that?

Tony: Well, the evidence is extensive. For instance, the medical examiner, Dr. Donald Mills, never performed an autopsy. In fact, he pronounced Mary Jo's death as being "death by drowning" with merely a simple visual exam. My experience as a homicide detective told me that Kopechne didn't drown. I saw white foam around her mouth which indicates she died due to a lack of oxygen. In other words, there must have been an air pocket in the submerged vehicle and she was able to live perhaps two or three hours after the car hit the water. She suffocated due to a lack of oxygen. She didn't drown. Another theory -- far more shocking if true -- is that Mary Jo was suffocated prior to the car plunging into the pond.

PT: You also say many of Kennedy's staff where all over the island. What were they doing?

Tony: They were covering up. When Kennedy escaped from the submerged vehicle, the first thing he did was telephone staff members rather than call the cops or an ambulance. I was able to get the phone records. His claims of being disoriented as a result of an auto accident seem disingenuous when you consider he had the orientation to remember and dial many phone numbers to get the cover-up mobilized. For instance, some man showed up at the Edgartown police station, where the investigation was being conducted, and asked for a pocketbook that was discovered inside Kennedy's car. The police desk officer turned it over to the man without making a blotter (logbook) entry or even IDing the guy. The officer admitted he just turned it over, no questions asked.

Also, a Kennedy staffer took custody of Mary Jo's remains saying he was responsible for shipping the body back to her hometown in Pennsylvania. No autopsy. Just a preliminary exam and out the door goes Mary Jo.

PT: How did Kennedy avoid news media scrutiny?

Tony: Well, I decided that the news media were being fed misinformation by the Kennedy spin doctors. Whoever they were, they had a casual attitude toward the truth. For instance, the news media told the public that Kennedy made a wrong turn because he was unfamiliar with Chappaquiddick. Well, first, I examined the crime or accident scene myself and if Kennedy turned the way he said he did, he would have ended up either in the bushes or slamming into a telephone pole. Kennedy also said in his statement that he'd never been in that particular area before, which was why he was unfamiliar with the landscape.

I interviewed a number of residents on the island who said they routinely saw all the Kennedy brother and relatives on the island including Ted.

The cover-up included people being rushed off the island -- people who partied with Kennedy. They were never questioned by the small town police officers who were in over their heads. These partygoers, instead, were "debriefed" by Kennedy staffers or security people hired by Kennedy or his staff.

PT: Were the cops bought off?

Tony: I don't think so. These small town cops had no experience investigating homicides or big cases. They were also dealing with some very powerful people. The Edgartown cops just didn't have any reason to stick their necks out.

PT: You must have been frustrated.

Tony: Not only frustrated, but angry. Later, my boss, President Nixon, would be dragged through the mud by the news media; and here was a senator who committed negligent homicide if not out and out murder, and nothing happens to him. He keeps getting reelected. They keep electing Ted Kennedy when they know that at worst he's a murderer, at best he's a sniveling coward.

PT: Thanks, Tony.

And 35 years later, the elite media continue to ignore Chappaquiddick while they hail Kennedy as the Lion of the Democrat Party.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us
   

Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Aliens and Tropical Fish

by Jim Kouri, CPP

This story must be read to be believed. In one of the biggest maritime human smuggling cases in Port of Los Angeles, CA in years, a San Pedro man pleaded guilty this week to federal charges related to his smuggling of both tropical fish and illegal aliens into the United States.

Craig Lightner, 42, pleaded guilty to smuggling protected tropical fish and approximately 70 illegal aliens into the United States. Appearing before United States District Judge Gary A. Feess, Lightner specifically pleaded guilty to encouraging or inducing aliens to enter the United States for financial gain, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison.

In plea agreements filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles, Lightner admitted that he smuggled illegal aliens into the United States on two occasions in August 2004. Using two rented boats -- the 47-foot yacht Soul Mates and the 44-foot yacht C'est La Vie - Lightner was involved in the smuggling of 20 and then 50 illegal immigrants who were transported from Tijuana to Ensenada and then to the Port of Los Angeles.

The alien smuggling scheme was discovered on August 30, 2004, when the C'est La Vie was stopped and boarded by the United States Coast Guard before approximately 50 aliens were off-loaded in the Port of Los Angeles. The interdiction of the rented French-built yacht by the US Coast Guard represented the largest incident of maritime human smuggling in the Los Angeles area in recent years. The aliens, including a three-year-old boy and a woman in her final month of pregnancy, were crowded into the vessel's small cabin, which was designed to sleep eight people. Two men who manned the C'est La Vie previously pleaded guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced later this year.

In the second case in which he pleaded guilty today, Lightner admitted that he smuggled very rare and expensive tropical fish into the United States. The fish - Clarion Angelfish, which are indigenous to Mexico and can cost up to $2,000 each -- were smuggled into the country in May 2004 through Los Angeles International Airport. In this case, Lightner pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling the tropical fish into the US without declaring them to federal authorities, a crime that carries a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. The angelfish smuggled into the US are being detained at Aquarium of the Pacific, while the illegal aliens are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sources: US Department of Justice, US Coast Guard, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us
   

Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Aliens and Tropical Fish(?)

by Jim Kouri, CPP

This story must be read to be believed. In one of the biggest maritime human smuggling cases in Port of Los Angeles, CA in years, a San Pedro man pleaded guilty this week to federal charges related to his smuggling of both tropical fish and illegal aliens into the United States.

Craig Lightner, 42, pleaded guilty to smuggling protected tropical fish and approximately 70 illegal aliens into the United States. Appearing before United States District Judge Gary A. Feess, Lightner specifically pleaded guilty to encouraging or inducing aliens to enter the United States for financial gain, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison.

In plea agreements filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles, Lightner admitted that he smuggled illegal aliens into the United States on two occasions in August 2004. Using two rented boats -- the 47-foot yacht Soul Mates and the 44-foot yacht C'est La Vie - Lightner was involved in the smuggling of 20 and then 50 illegal immigrants who were transported from Tijuana to Ensenada and then to the Port of Los Angeles.

The alien smuggling scheme was discovered on August 30, 2004, when the C'est La Vie was stopped and boarded by the United States Coast Guard before approximately 50 aliens were off-loaded in the Port of Los Angeles. The interdiction of the rented French-built yacht by the US Coast Guard represented the largest incident of maritime human smuggling in the Los Angeles area in recent years. The aliens, including a three-year-old boy and a woman in her final month of pregnancy, were crowded into the vessel's small cabin, which was designed to sleep eight people. Two men who manned the C'est La Vie previously pleaded guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced later this year.

In the second case in which he pleaded guilty today, Lightner admitted that he smuggled very rare and expensive tropical fish into the United States. The fish - Clarion Angelfish, which are indigenous to Mexico and can cost up to $2,000 each -- were smuggled into the country in May 2004 through Los Angeles International Airport. In this case, Lightner pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling the tropical fish into the US without declaring them to federal authorities, a crime that carries a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. The angelfish smuggled into the US are being detained at Aquarium of the Pacific, while the illegal aliens are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sources: US Department of Justice, US Coast Guard, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others, and he's a columnist for TheConservativeVoice.Com, AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Thousands of Criminals Nabbed by Border Patrol

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Since October 1, 2004, Border Patrol agents in the Tucson, AZ Sector have apprehended 27,834 illegal aliens with criminal records, 74 of which were for homicide. Last fiscal year, the Tucson Sector apprehended 14,506 illegal aliens with criminal records. These figures do not include the thousands of criminal aliens apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or those in other Border Patrol sectors.

For exa